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with Yvonne MaffeiSat, 28 Feb 2015 04:19:09 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Alcohol-Free Sangriahttp://myhalalkitchen.com/alcohol-free-sangria/
http://myhalalkitchen.com/alcohol-free-sangria/#commentsMon, 15 Jul 2013 04:50:16 +0000http://myhalalkitchen.com/?p=14950One of the things I’ve been enjoying most about the summer has truly been all the Ramadan prep recipes I’ve been able to share throughout my cookbook tour, via Instagram and now on the website. It’s amazing how much food brings us all together and we can talk new ideas for healthy eating and living ...

]]>One of the things I’ve been enjoying most about the summer has truly been all the Ramadan prep recipes I’ve been able to share throughout my cookbook tour, via Instagram and now on the website. It’s amazing how much food brings us all together and we can talk new ideas for healthy eating and living on such a worldwide basis.

That said, this recipe for my Alcohol-Free Sangria has been one of the most requested. I made it on my cookbook tour, although it’s not a recipe in the book but rather an additional idea for a party drink I brought to many of the venues where I demonstrated because I felt it was such a delicious twist on the traditional Spanish.

It was so good, even the kids liked it and could enjoy it, too.

It was shared several times on my Instagram page, and as promised, here it is now.

Alcohol-Free Sangria

By Yvonne
Published: July 15, 2013

Yield:10-12 cups (10-12 Servings)

Prep:20 minutes mins

High quality grape juice or a combination of cherry and grape make for such a lovely, elegant, fruity and thirst-quenching drink that is perfect for parties. Add club soda or sparkling water for a little fizz, in addition to the fresh fruits suggestions. Tip: add fresh fruits about 30 minutes before guests arrive and any carbonated beverages just before serving. This helps keep the drink bubbly while the fruit has time to flavor it all. This will not taste great the next day unless fruit is removed (otherwise, it just tastes bitter).

]]>http://myhalalkitchen.com/alcohol-free-sangria/feed/25 Ways to Host an ‘Eidpaloozahttp://myhalalkitchen.com/5-ways-to-host-an-eidpalooza/
http://myhalalkitchen.com/5-ways-to-host-an-eidpalooza/#commentsSat, 04 Aug 2012 06:40:48 +0000http://www.myhalalkitchen.com/?p=10772I’m delighted to introduce you to a local Chicago woman who is doing some fabulous and unique things to help people celebrate special occasions or take business branding ‘Up a Notch’. She ships her personalized party favors across the country in creative wrapping, and in this post Kiran Ansari offers tips on how to ...

]]>I’m delighted to introduce you to a local Chicago woman who is doing some fabulous and unique things to help people celebrate special occasions or take business branding ‘Up a Notch’. She ships her personalized party favors across the country in creative wrapping, and in this post Kiran Ansari offers tips on how to really bring life to ‘Eid parties this year.

Decorative, Customized Party Favors by Up A Notch

With an ounce of planning and a dash of creativity, you can turn an ordinary Eid gathering into an Eidpalooza for the children – and rightly so. Growing up in countries where they see such a hoopla surrounding Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween, our children are entitled to have some fun on Eid instead of being dragged from one house to another where they are plopped in front of the television in the basement.

Throwing a great Eid party does not need to be extravagant or over the top, and technically it shouldn’t be as it would contradict with the spirit of Eid that marks the end of a month of fasting or the completion of Hajj.

Gone are the days when a bunch of immigrant families got together at a park to celebrate Eid. Second and third generation American Muslims want to add a little pizzazz to their celebrations and here are five ways you can add that oomph.

1. Pick a Theme

Pick a theme for the Eid party as early as possible so that you have all your ducks in a row before Ramadan. You could go with the classic moon theme by decorating the home with crescent string lights, cutting up fruit, sandwiches and brownies with crescent cookie cutters and jazz up goody bags and table covers with crescent rubber stamps or punches. You could also choose décor with simple geometric designs or learn about a new country like Morocco or Turkey to put a twist on your Eid party. Since Eid does not translate into any one specific color, you can choose from a wide palette of colors.

2. Create Save the Date Invites

Send your neighbors and friends invites to your ‘Eid party by wrapping a box of dates. You get the reward for sharing dates for Iftar plus they remember the date of your party.

3. Put An ‘Eid Spin on Party Games

Try out Pin the Dome on the Masjid, Bingo with Arabic numbers or a scavenger hunt with Eid-themed things (like henna, masjid, presents) as creative ways to take party games to another level.

4. Make Centerpieces and Décor

Even if you are not planning a huge bash, decorating the home with the kids for ‘Eid helps keep the spirit of ‘Eid alive and makes the fun last longer. Look for paper flowers to make at your local craft store or watch videos on YouTube on how you can use duct tape or recycled materials to decorate the home. Simple streamers and “Eid countdown” paper chains can keep kids busy during Ramadan and make them look forward to ‘Eid.

5. Give out Party Favors

No party is complete without the kids taking home a goody bag full of tiny toys and candy. Take your ‘Eid party favors Up A Notch this year by personalizing the wrappers with your children’s or family’s names. It’s also a cost effective and creative way to share ‘Eid with neighbors, classmates, coworkers and just about anyone.

The objective of throwing an Eid party is not about how expensive your china is or how elaborate the menu was. It’s about celebrating with loved ones and creating memories for your kids. After all, isn’t that what ‘Eid is all about?

ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY!

You could win 25 candy bar wrappers (or 50 mini wrappers) with YOUR name or personal message. Choose from scores of designs on the Facebook page. Shipped free anywhere in the United States. Questions? Contact: upanotch.favors@gmail.com

To enter, please read our Official Giveaway Guidelines page first then add a relevant comment answering the question posed below and Like the Up A Notch Facebook page at www.facebook.com/takeitupanotch in order to be entered. *Entering indicates you have read the guidelines. Giveaway ends at 12:01 am on August 11, 2012.

What is the one way you are doing ‘Eid different than you or your family have done in the past? If this is your first ‘Eid, how are you planning to make it special?

]]>http://myhalalkitchen.com/5-ways-to-host-an-eidpalooza/feed/8Hajj Season and Preparing for an ‘Eid ul Adha Celebrationhttp://myhalalkitchen.com/hajj-season-and-preparing-for-an-eid-ul-adha-celebration/
http://myhalalkitchen.com/hajj-season-and-preparing-for-an-eid-ul-adha-celebration/#commentsMon, 31 Oct 2011 21:06:00 +0000http://www.myhalalkitchen.com/?p=8830The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, or the Hajj, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for the Muslim who is able to fulfill it (regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic status) and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It’s performed at the same time every year during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijja (based on a lunar calendar). The ...

]]>The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, or the Hajj, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for the Muslim who is able to fulfill it (regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic status) and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It’s performed at the same time every year during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijja (based on a lunar calendar).

The Hajj is a representation of so many elements of Islam, but in essence it is a ten-day journey in which pilgrims perform rites and rituals that date back to the time and experience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his testament of faith in Allah (God) by the sacrifices he performed for His sake. The Hajj symbolizes and brings to life a host of Islamic values, for example the belief in the Day of Judgment, a Day in which Muslims believe that all of mankind will come to account for their deeds, and that this is a preparation for that time. Prayers are recited in the same manner and in some instances, the same location as did the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) did over 1500 years ago, all of which represent firm Islamic beliefs, especially that of the equality of humankind and the injuction that “The best amongst you in the eyes of God is most righteous.”- Qur’an: chapter 49, verse 13.

‘Eid ul Adha is a three-day celebration for all Muslims (whether they have performed Hajj or not) to celebrate the completion of this journey and commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham. It is characterized by the sacrifice of an animal (i.e. lamb, goat, camel) in which Allah’s name has been mentioned and then sharing the meat with others. Those who can afford it, should purchase one whole animal and sacrifice it or have it sacrificed on their behalf. This meat is then divided into thirds: one third for the poor, another third for extended family, friends and neighbors, another third for your own home or nuclear family.

This sacrificial meat called the Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah), is to be eaten; not wasted in any way. The ritual is a reminder of the sacrifice and the act of obedience to God by Prophet Abraham. It’s also a reminder of the sacredness of our food and that the purpose of the animals for sacrifice is much more than mere consumption.

On ‘Eid day there is a communal prayer in the morning and then families and friends gather to enjoy meals together. Many families offer their homes as a stopping point for others to come in and enjoy a buffet of traditional ‘Eid ul Adha dishes, often calling this an Open House. Though not necessarily an Islamic term per se, it has come to be known as an invitation to stop by for a short visit to eat and celebrate while on the way to other family and friends to do the same thing.

While it takes a lot to prepare, so much can be done ahead of time to get ready for ‘Eid celebrations and open houses. Here are a few shopping suggestions to get you started:

~Shopping List: Groceries & Goods for an ‘Eid ul Adha Celebration~

To make your family and friends’ favorite dishes without making things too difficult for yourself, you’ll want to get everything in order ahead of time. Dishes like hummus, baba ganooj, raita (yogurt dip) and more are almost always on the table, but of course you’ll be adding other dishes to make your ‘Eid table special, beautiful and delicious. Here are a few shopping suggestions to get you started: